Irish cabinet likely to approve Covid certs for gyms and salons
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A decision on vaccine passports in certain settings, like hairdressers, is expected on Monday
The Irish government is said to be moving towards a recommendation that digital Covid certificates will be required in gyms and hairdressers.
A decision on the issue is likely at the cabinet's ongoing Covid-19 sub-committee meeting.
If agreed, it would then go to Cabinet for approval on Tuesday.
There is also set to be an antigen testing system introduced in schools and a subsidy provided to encourage people to use the tests generally.
Mask wearing in both indoor and outdoor crowded areas is also likely to be recommended, according to RTÉ.
Spike in Covid cases
The powerful sub-committee includes the leaders of the three coalition parties and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
Latest figures show 7,366,712 vaccines for Covid-19 had been administered in the Republic of Ireland
It is meeting on Monday night to decide on various measures that could be introduced to deal with a recent rise in Covid cases.
Another 4,570 cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday, up from 3,805 on Sunday. The total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland since the start of the pandemic is 5,566 as of 10 November.
Taoiseach (prime minister) Mícheál Martin has described the situation as extremely concerning.
The advisory National Public Health Emergency Team has suggested people work from home when feasible.
Mr Martin said "nothing can be ruled out" out, but ministers in the sub-committee are very unlikely to recommend a lockdown to the full cabinet on Tuesday, according to RTÉ.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said nothing could be ruled out
With about 90% of over-12s fully vaccinated, the Republic of Ireland has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.
There are plans to give boosters to all over 60s imminently.
It is understood several ministers have reservations about extending the use of the Covid vaccine cert at the moment.